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Scientists encode text messages in evaporated alcohol

A team of scientists recently discovered a way to send encoded text messages through evaporated vodka.

The study – a collaborative effort between researchers at both York
University and the University of Warwick – found that messages converted
to binary signals could be transmitted through evaporated particles, Phys.org learned.

For their first transmission, scientists transmitted the lyrics to
the Canadian national anthem across a distance of several meters using a
common desk fan.

“We believe we have sent the world’s first text message to be
transmitted entirely with molecular communication, controlling
concentration levels of the alcohol molecules, to encode the alphabets
with single spray representing bit 1 and no spray representing the bit
0,” lead researcher Nariman Farsad, a doctoral candidate at York
University, was quoted as saying.

“Imagine sending a detailed message using perfume – it sounds like
something from a spy thriller novel, but in reality it is an incredibly
simple way to communicate,” Dr. Weisi Guo, a researcher based at the
University of Warwick’s School of Engineering, additionally noted.

Traditionally, text messages and alcohol are not considered a wise
combination, due in large part to the effects of alcohol on the body.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, alcohol
acts as a central nervous system depressant whose effects could impair
judgement.

CDC researchers
noted that, beyond those short-term complications, excessive alcohol
use or abuse could come with severe consequences, including “harm to
one’s health, interpersonal relationships, or ability to work.”

The study was published in the journal PLOS ONE. Watch the researchers discuss the details below.